Cardiff have been given five days to reconsider their decision not to enter their 1st XV in the Welsh Premier Division or the European Cup next season.

Cardiff's formal request to the Welsh Rugby Union not to be considered for either competition was discussed by the union's general committee on Thursday night.

At the same time, the WRU also decided to refuse permission to Cardiff to play friendly fixtures with English Premiership One clubs. This followed a similar ruling by the English RFU that its clubs would not be permitted to play friendlies on league weekends. Cardiff have until 5.0 p.m. next Wednesday to enter into a binding commitment with the WRU over their future.

Meanwhile, Lawrence Dallaglio, the England captain, is to stand down from the leadership of Wasps in favour of the 30-yearold New Zealander Mark Weedon.